Glass Infinity Pool at Chalet Al Foss is a Hidden Gem of the Alps

This blog post highlights ten extraordinary swimming pools from various locations around the world, presenting them as must-visit destinations for travelers seeking unique aquatic experiences. Each pool is detailed with its specific features, location, and the distinct ambiance it offers, ranging from natural geothermal baths to architecturally stunning man-made structures. The selection begins with the Grace Hotel's Infinity Pool in Santorini, Greece, which is notable for being the largest infinity pool on the island. It provides expansive views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic landscape of Imerovigli, enhancing the scenic beauty of the Greek isle. Next is the Bondi Icebergs' Open Air Rock Pool in Sydney, Australia. This iconic seawater pool, located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, is described as a landmark for both locals and tourists, offering a historical swimming experience since its establishment in 1929. In Algarrobo, Chile, the San Alfonso del Mar's Seawater Pool stands out for its immense size, measuring 3,323 feet long. It functions as a large aquatic playground where visitors can engage in various water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and even sailing, all while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean. The Cambrian Hotel's Heated Pool in Adelboden, Switzerland, offers a contrasting experience with its warm 32°C water. This pool, connecting indoor and outdoor sections, is presented as an ideal spot for relaxation after skiing or hiking, providing views of the snowy Swiss Alps. Iceland's Blue Lagoon's Geothermal Spa Pool is included for its unique setting within a volcanic rock landscape. The pool's bright-blue geothermal seawater provides a mineral-rich spa treatment, with the added potential of witnessing the Northern Lights. Ubud Hanging Gardens' Twin-Tiered Pool in Bali, Indonesia, is recognized for its distinctive dual-layered, cascading design. It offers an illusion of floating above the dense rainforest canopy, making it a prominent feature of Bali's luxury accommodations. Italy's Grand Hotel Tremezzo's Floating Lake Pool in Lake Como presents a 'water-on-water' experience. This azure pool is situated directly on Lake Como, allowing guests to admire the alpine scenery of the Grigne mountains while enjoying a luxurious swim. In Fiji, the Glass Cube Lap Pool at Laucala Island offers an ultra-luxury experience. Located within a 2,000 square meter lagoon-style pool, the glass cube provides a unique setting for lap swimming, surrounded by tropical palms and overlooking a pristine white beach. The One & Only Reethi Rah's Serenity Pool in the Maldives is featured for its tranquil design, giving the impression of an endless stretch of water where the pool is nested within another pool, and then within the ocean itself, suggesting a layered aquatic environment. Finally, the Marina Bay Sands' Rooftop Infinity Pool in Singapore is highlighted as a well-known attraction. Positioned 57 floors high, this 150-meter-long platform offers panoramic views of the city skyline, providing a luxurious experience that attracts visitors globally. #LuxuryTravel #InfinityPools #SwimmingPools #TravelInspiration #GlobalDestinations #LuxuryHotels #UniquePools #GeothermalPools #ResortPools

This blog post highlights a magnificent Italian Villa located in the gated community of Glen Lakes, Dallas, emphasizing its exceptional design, craftsmanship, and functionality. Built in 1996, the residence stands on a unique double lot, originally acquired from Jerry Stewart, the architect of Glen Lakes, and is bordered on three sides by water, offering picturesque views. The property has had only two owners, a testament to its liveability and well-thought-out design. The villa is the result of a collaborative effort by a "dream team" of talents. Tommy Ford Construction, a third-generation family-owned and operated group, oversaw the build. They introduced the original owners to architect Ralph Duesing, who was responsible for the home's design. Ann Schooler, principal with Schooler, Kellogg & Co., served as the interior designer, contributing to a cohesive and elegant aesthetic. Corey Ford of Tommy Ford Construction noted that the clients initiated the concept of a central entry with rooms leading off it and a large two-story domed ceiling, a vision that the team brought to life with precision. Duesing's design prowess is evident in the home's symmetrical layout, with garages flanking the main structure to create a balanced mirror image. The quality, craftsmanship, and intricate details are apparent throughout every room, each offering unique and spectacular elements. The entry rotunda, a dramatic feature inspired by the owners, sets a formal tone. It boasts an artisan inlaid marble mosaic floor, pilasters, wall niches for art, and *oiel-de-beouf* windows with elaborate iron grills that allow light to stream in from the upper gallery. A stunning three-tiered Waterford crystal chandelier hangs from the thirty-foot-high domed ceiling, enhancing the grandeur. For convenience, an elevator alcove is situated near the curved staircase. Formal rooms, including the dining room, are characterized by custom millwork and high ceilings. A long gallery hallway extends from the rear of the rotunda, ideal for displaying significant artworks, and provides access to the great room, kitchen, and owner's suite. The great room evokes a private club atmosphere, featuring richly paneled walls, a coffered ceiling, custom built-ins, a full-service bar, and ample wine storage. A stately cast stone fireplace anchors the room, offering a cozy space to relax while enjoying views of the landscaped yard and waterway. The kitchen is designed for serious cooks, equipped with an 8-burner Thermador gas range, double ovens, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, extensive workspace, and a large center island seating six. Double French doors provide direct access to a rear patio overlooking the waterway. Custom hand-painted tiles by Danish artist Bjorn Wiinblad add an elegant touch to the kitchen's design. The owner's suite serves as a private sanctuary, complete with custom moldings and a large fireplace. It opens to an interior loggia with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and three sets of French doors leading to a private terrace overlooking the waterway and lush landscaping. A practical and inspired feature of this suite is a private entry to an attached two-car garage, eliminating the need to traverse the entire house with luggage. The luxurious principal bath features Turkish marble on walls, counter surfaces, and the shower enclosure, along with a jetted tub and separate water closets, creating a spa-like retreat. The second floor includes three guest suites and a handsome study. A notable feature in the study is a hidden door, activated by a button, which reveals a secret office space with a built-in desk and glass-fronted cabinets. A private half-bath is also accessible from this hidden office. The study itself features rich wood paneling, bookcases, a fireplace, and French doors leading to a private balcony with treetop and waterway views. The Glen Lakes community provides a secure and amenity-rich environment with 24/7 guarded gate access, patrol, hike and bike trails, a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a dog park. The property, located at 7711 Glen Albens Circle, is offered at $3.495 million by The Perry-Miller-Streiff Group at Dave Perry-Miller, presenting a rare opportunity for elegant, comfortable, and private family living. #GlenLakes #ItalianVilla #LuxuryHome #DallasRealEstate #CustomHome #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #GatedCommunity #WaterfrontProperty

This article showcases 12 modern ski chalets across various locations, each embodying unique design elements and offering luxurious winter retreats. The collection begins with an Aspen, Colorado, ski chalet redesigned by Ghislaine Viñas and S2 Architects, which transformed a three-level, nearly 6,000-square-foot structure. The chalet's low-pitched hipped roof was replaced with a contemporary gabled one, extending to create deep eaves over a cantilevered balcony. Inspired by Aspen's early Swedish settlers, traditional Alpine architecture, and vintage ski-bum culture, the southern facade features expansive glass, offering views of the snowy landscape. Another Aspen property, a three-level rustic-chic ski chalet, underwent modernization by Rowland+Broughton. This 1990s stone-and-glass dwelling, known for its sensitive integration with mountain surroundings, received architectural interventions such as enlarged, view-enhancing windows and sliding doors, alongside meticulous editing of existing glazing mullions. In Baie-Saint-Paul, Canada, Chalet Bertha, designed by Perron, is situated on a hillside in the Laurentian Mountains. This 7,500-square-foot snow chalet features clean lines, inviting textures, and abundant natural light. Its design, inspired by Germanic mythology's Alpine goddess, aims to evoke a "winter spirit indoors" warmed by human connection. The three-level structure offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and the Saint Lawrence River. The article then moves to Norway, where Snorre Stinessen Architecture conceived a ski chalet-style lodge in the Lyngen Alps. Originally conceptualized as a cabin, it evolved into a luxurious hospitality destination for guests seeking world-class skiing and glacier trekking. The design emphasizes a connection with the landscape through simple, earthy materials and floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views. A rustic cabin in Breckenridge, Colorado, renovated by Amy Pigliacampo, blends old and new. This 1976-built A-frame ski chalet, located at an elevation of 11,000 feet, underwent a significant transformation. Pigliacampo painted the original pine paneling white, opened up the space with a new window above the kitchen, and incorporated materials like cane, caramel leather, creamy wool, and various wood tones to achieve a "1970s Modern Alpine Chalet" aesthetic. Studio Shoo designed a hotel in Kogalym, Western Siberia, for Ibis Styles. This 7,600-square-foot property, conceived as a winter wonderland, draws inspiration from the region's subarctic climate. The Moxy Banff, formerly the Voyager Inn, is a Canadian ski lodge that received a $30 million overhaul by Workshop/APD and Metafor. Built in 1964, the motor lodge was revitalized to combine the Moxy brand's playful personality, Banff's outdoor spirit, and its mid-century architectural roots. In Park City, Utah, a property by CLB Architects and Iluminus co-founder David Ostrander offers striking views of the Wasatch Mountains. The design utilizes a material palette established by the building's exterior, including Croatian limestone, shou sugi ban cedar cladding, steel-framed windows, and a copper roof. A unique "pop-up perch" provides 360-degree views, reminiscent of forest-fire watchtowers. Loren Daye of Studio Love is Enough transformed a Hudson Valley country inn into the Alpine-inspired Little Cat Lodge, a 14-room ski hotel, tavern, and bar. The subtle makeover includes reclaimed mushroom box-clad walls, checkered daybeds, Isamu Noguchi lanterns, and custom maple furniture. In Truckee, California, a Martis Camp retreat designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and the Wiseman Group is a 12,200-square-foot, three-level ski residence positioned to take advantage of Pacific Crest Trail views. The west-facing facade is almost entirely glass, complemented by overlapping cedar screens for privacy. The article also highlights two mid-century buildings by Herbert Bayer at the Aspen Institute in Colorado. The 1973 Boettcher Building was renovated by Rowland+Broughton, while the three International Style "ski chalets" for the Aspen Meadows Resort had their interiors reinvented by Michael Suomi, who incorporated legacy furniture pieces referencing Bauhaus origins. Finally, a single-story glass house by ACDF Architecture in Quebec’s Lanaudière region emphasizes its natural surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows maximize natural light and offer sweeping views. The interior features minimal furniture, muted tones, polished concrete flooring, and wooden plank ceilings with gaps to soften direct sunlight, creating spaces for both connection and privacy for a young family. #SkiChalets #WinterGetaway #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #AlpineDesign #RusticChic #SustainableDesign #GlassHouses

Effe Perfect Wellness has unveiled its inaugural collection of outdoor saunas, named Cabanon, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni and Michele Angelini. The collection, first showcased at Salone del Mobile 2022 in Milan, marks a significant expansion for the brand, which traditionally focused on bringing saunas into private indoor spaces. With Cabanon, Effe aims to provide wellness products that seamlessly integrate into outdoor environments, whether it be a secluded garden or an urban terrace, emphasizing comfort, freedom, privacy, and personalization. The Cabanon collection draws inspiration from Le Corbusier’s iconic cabin and the traditional Finnish sauna, which is often situated outdoors and surrounded by nature. To cater to diverse modern living requirements, the collection offers two distinct versions: 'Garden' for lush green spaces and 'Terrace' for urban settings like verandas. This adaptability ensures that the wellness experience can be enjoyed in various outdoor contexts. The saunas are designed with a focus on sustainability, being 100% recyclable and incorporating long-lasting, energy-saving technologies, aligning with Effe's commitment to sophisticated design and advanced technological solutions. Rodolfo Dordoni, one of the designers, noted that the project aimed to evoke the sense of freedom and wellness associated with beach huts, where warmth and privacy converge. A key challenge in the development of Cabanon was creating a technology suitable for outdoor installation that adhered to safety standards, while also balancing the desire for immersion in nature with the need for a comfortable and intimate environment. The resulting design features a fully enclosed sauna unit. The exterior of the Cabanon saunas is constructed with an aluminum frame and painted corrugated aluminum cladding, designed for ease of transport and installation in various locations due to its modular nature. The internal covering is made of wood. The saunas are available in three matte color options—moss, brick, and cement—allowing them to blend harmoniously with different natural or urban surroundings, from Nordic landscapes to Mediterranean or city settings. The entrance side includes an extending deck made of WPC (wood plastic composite) boards, chosen for their pleasant texture, safety, and durability for outdoor use. This area can be customized with technical fabric curtains to enhance privacy. Inside, the saunas offer luxurious finishes, with options for heat-treated aspen throughout or a two-tone combination of solid dark wood and heat-treated aspen. Warm LED lighting is strategically placed between the bench and walls, complemented by soft backlighting on the mirror, to create a private and inviting atmosphere, particularly beneficial during colder months. Practical additions include a hand-held shower with a flexible hose and pegs for bathrobes on the deck, enhancing the overall outdoor wellness experience. The Terrace version features a single toughened glass door, while the Garden version includes both a glass door and a symmetrical glass window to allow more natural light, with benches positioned in a more secluded area for privacy. The sauna's heater, available in 4.0 kW or 8.0 kW depending on the size, is discreetly covered in a material matching the exterior cladding. In addition to the Cabanon outdoor saunas, Effe Perfect Wellness also launched 'Inside,' a 2022 steam generator. This product expands the brand’s collection of Turkish bath generators, focusing on integrating wellness into the hospitality sector. Inside is designed to be minimally intrusive, positioned just a few centimeters above the floor, simplifying installation and maintenance for architects and technicians. The user interface features intuitive controls made of durable silicone rubber with clear icons. Inside is available in two versions for volumes up to 4.5m3: 'Inside Glass,' which has a standard back-painted white glass exterior that can be customized with client branding, and 'Inside Camouflage,' where the front can be cladded with the same material as the surrounding walls for a seamless, almost invisible integration. RGB LED lighting at the bottom completes the design, offering the high-quality features of a professional Turkish bath in a compact form. #EffePerfectWellness #OutdoorSauna #Cabanon #RodolfoDordoni #MicheleAngelini #WellnessDesign #SaloneDelMobile2022 #SteamGenerator #InteriorDesign

Arctic Bath is a newly opened luxury wellness destination situated in Sweden's remote Lapland region, floating on the frigid Lule River. The facility offers a unique blend of spa treatments, including a traditional cold plunge, alongside various daytime excursions, and a restaurant serving locally-sourced, regional cuisine. The accommodation features twelve cabins, six of which float on the river, attached to wooden docks, while the other six are elevated on stilts above the snow. All cabins are designed with sleek Scandinavian aesthetics by architect AnnKathrin Lundqvist, incorporating sustainable materials like wood, stone, and luxury textiles. Guests staying in the land cabins benefit from heated floors and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the surrounding landscape, while those in floating suites can enjoy hot beverages while gazing at the Lule River. The design of the central bath structure, conceived by architects Bertil Harström and John Kauppi, pays homage to the region's historical logging industry, featuring a facade composed of logs splayed upwards, reminiscent of a log jam. This floating structure houses massage rooms, saunas, indoor and outdoor showers, and a central patio for sunbathing, ice baths, or observing the Northern Lights. The core of the rotunda includes an ice bath maintained at a constant 39 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, inviting guests to participate in a traditional Swedish cold plunge. Beyond relaxation, Arctic Bath offers a range of wilderness activities. Visitors can embark on excursions such as moose-tracking with a guide, hiking under the midnight sun to spot bears, participating in wildlife photography sessions, or engaging in cultural classes to learn about the indigenous Sámi people. During winter, activities expand to include husky sled rides and snowmobile tours, which are often followed by a visit to the spa. Accommodations at Arctic Bath are priced around $1,000 per night and include access to spa facilities and a five-course prix fixe dinner menu. Chefs Kristoffer Åström and Maarten De Wilde emphasize regional flavors, sourcing ingredients within a 25-mile radius to create dishes like smoked capercaillie, traditional Sámi specialties, and reindeer, complemented by a curated wine and beer selection. The cabins are designed to accommodate different group sizes, with some suited for two adults and others for up to five guests, all featuring Scandinavian furnishings. Each cabin's bathroom is equipped with a shower, toilet, standalone bathtub, and a sink, and guests are greeted with champagne upon arrival. The land cabins, built on stilts, are strategically designed to eliminate the need for snow shoveling throughout the season, further enhancing the guest experience with expansive views. Arctic Bath is part of a growing collection of luxury destinations in Northern Sweden's Lapland region, including Treehotel, Logger’s Lodge, Arctic Retreat, and Aurora Safari Camp, all catering to adventurers seeking to explore this remote and picturesque area. The article highlights that Lapland experiences minimal daylight during winter, with the sun making brief appearances, and advises booking stays between August and March for the best chances to witness the Northern Lights. #ArcticBath #FloatingHotel #Lapland #SwedenTravel #WellnessDestination #ScandinavianDesign #LuxuryTravel #ColdPlunge #NorthernLights

The "Casa To" hotel, located on Mexico's Pacific coast in Puerto Escondido, is a nine-suite establishment designed by architect Ludwig Godefroy. The hotel aims to provide a "discreet oasis" for its guests, drawing inspiration from various architectural and cultural sources while prioritizing simplicity in its design. The materials and color palettes used throughout the hotel are informed by natural textures and tones found in the surrounding environment. Key design elements for the hotel's striking vaulted ceilings were derived from two historical hydraulic works: the 6th-century Basilica Cistern in Istanbul and the 19th-century Hornsey Wood Reservoir in Finsbury Park, London. These historical structures provided conceptual cues for the architectural form. A prominent feature of Casa To is its covered infinity pool and solarium, where large circular openings are cut into raw concrete walls, allowing guests to swim through them. The blue of the pool water offers a visual contrast to the surrounding material palette, which itself is influenced by the modernist buildings of Le Corbusier. The hotel's suites are situated in a volume adjacent to the pool and terraced solarium. Six ground-floor rooms offer access to gardens, while three upper-level rooms include a terrace and an outdoor bath. The interior design of Casa To is deeply influenced by its natural surroundings, specifically a Madagascar Blue Bismarck palm tree (Bismarckia Nobilis) that was originally on the site. The chosen color scheme incorporates natural concrete and stainless steel tones, complemented by turquoise, yellow, blue, and green nuances. For the hotel's furniture, Godefroy collaborated with expert carpenters from the Puebla, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca regions. This approach ensured custom-designed pieces with a human touch, such as bamboo elements created by Tiago Solís Van Beuren, which introduce warmth against the concrete structure. Both Godefroy and the hotelier advocate for consciousness and sustainability as integral aspects of modern luxury living. The hotel implements a Fairtrade model for purchasing furniture, enabling guests to acquire these pieces. Environmentally, Casa To includes a water treatment plant for reusing wastewater in its planted areas, utilizes solar panels for energy storage, and maintains a strict zero-plastics policy. #HotelArchitecture #MexicanDesign #LudwigGodefroy #SustainableDesign #InfinityPool #ConcreteArchitecture #LeCorbusierInfluence #OaxacanCraftsmanship #PuertoEscondido

The Brecon, a newly opened design hotel in the Swiss mountain village of Adelboden, offers a unique blend of understated luxury and local charm, moving away from the typical glitz of other Alpine destinations. Located in a tranquil, bucolic valley, the hotel provides a serene escape with world-class winter sports, hearty food, and cozy evenings. Upon arrival, visitors navigate a scenic mountain pass before the picturesque setting, reminiscent of a scene from 'Heidi,' unfolds. The village itself, with its 15th-century church and chalet-style cafes, maintains a laid-back atmosphere, a stark contrast to the luxury shopping and Champagne-fueled après-ski found in nearby Gstaad. Designed by the Dutch interior design studio Nicemakers, The Brecon's open-plan ground floor, dubbed the "living room," showcases a muted mid-century chic aesthetic. It features Jean Gillon lounge chairs, boucle Vitra sofas, and Futurist-inspired abstract paintings curated by Amsterdam's Bisou Gallery. Shelves adorned with design and fashion monographs contribute to the sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. The hotel's owner, Welsh financier Grant Maunder, aimed to create an interior deeply rooted in a sense of place, incorporating elements like reupholstered antique dining chairs from the building's previous occupant and flagstone floors installed by a Welsh specialist. The hotel's name itself, "The Brecon," pays homage to a mountain range in south Wales, reflecting this commitment to its origins. Maunder's vision was for guests to feel completely at ease, akin to staying in a generous friend's home rather than a conventional hotel. This objective has been successfully achieved, with guests experiencing a seamless check-in process and finding comfort in the thoughtfully designed rooms. The loft-style top-floor suites boast enormous, plush beds covered in patterned Welsh lambswool blankets, offering stunning views of the jagged mountain peaks. Special nooks with desks and small windows provide ideal spots for relaxation or catching up on emails. Even the bathrooms are meticulously designed, featuring salmon-pink tiles, sleek circular mirrors, and lavish Aesop products, offering a luxurious and visually appealing experience for design enthusiasts. Dining at The Brecon is an all-inclusive yet sophisticated affair, eschewing buffets for a curated culinary journey through Alpine cuisine. The focus is on seasonal, local produce, starting with freshly baked bread and rich local butter, followed by a four-course meal. Dishes might include smoked salmon with pickled cucumbers, hand-twisted farfalle with Italian sausage and fennel, and perfectly cooked veal with salsa verde. The tiramisu is highlighted as a must-try dessert. The hotel’s bar, stocked with an impressive selection, invites guests to enjoy cocktails on the outdoor deck or within the convivial indoor spaces, fostering conversation and camaraderie. Beyond the hotel, the Adelboden area offers rich rewards for adventurous travelers, with the Brecon team providing recommendations for exploration. The hotel operates year-round, making it suitable for both summer "coolcations" and winter sports enthusiasts, with access to numerous ski routes. A notable highlight is Oeschinensee, an Alpine lake known for its dazzling lapis lazuli blue mineral-rich waters, perfect for hiking or rowboating. The hotel also features a spa with an outdoor heated pool, sauna, and steam room, all offering views across the valley, ensuring guests can unwind and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. The Brecon is poised to attract a new type of discerning traveler, coexisting with the existing crowd of hikers, skiers, and lake swimmers, and is anticipated to become a favored weekend getaway for fashion and design enthusiasts from cities like Milan. #SwissAlps #Adelboden #LuxuryHotel #BoutiqueHotel #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #AlpineCuisine #TravelSwitzerland #WellnessTravel

Tarantik & Egger have developed an innovative product called the Saunagondel, which repurposes old Swiss ski gondola frames into mobile, high-quality saunas. This project addresses the challenge of utilizing discarded infrastructure from the ski industry, offering a sustainable second life for these cabins. The core concept involves combining the existing, lightweight, and durable frames of original Swiss ski gondolas with custom-made interiors crafted from silver fir wood. This choice of material contributes to the sauna’s aesthetic appeal and provides a natural, calming environment for users, aligning with principles of green design. The use of silver fir wood also ensures a high-quality finish and enhances the internal atmosphere of the sauna. Each Saunagondel is equipped with an award-winning 4.5 kW electric heater, capable of generating an internal temperature of up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). This powerful heating system ensures that the sauna can provide a warm and comfortable experience even in the most extreme weather conditions, making it suitable for deployment in cold, snowy landscapes. The inclusion of modern WiFi controls allows for convenient operation and temperature management, enhancing the user experience. A significant feature of the Saunagondel is its mobility and lightweight construction. This design characteristic allows for easy transportation and rapid installation in various locations, offering flexibility for users who might wish to place it in remote or unconventional settings. The panoramic views offered by the gondola's original windows provide users with an immersive experience, allowing them to enjoy their surroundings while inside the sauna. This aspect integrates the natural environment with the relaxation process. The development of the Saunagondel was an interdisciplinary effort, drawing on the expertise of various professionals. Electrical engineers were involved in integrating the heating and control systems, ensuring efficiency and safety. Carpenters were responsible for crafting the precise silver fir wood interiors, while metal workers handled the structural modifications and reinforcements of the gondola frames. The project also collaborated with VAUDE, a German outdoor sports fashion company recognized for its sustainable practices, highlighting the project’s commitment to environmentally conscious design and production. This collaboration underscores the Saunagondel’s alignment with sustainable values and green design principles. The Saunagondel is designed to be a four-person unit, offering a private yet spacious experience. Its ability to heat up quickly and maintain high temperatures, combined with its robust construction, makes it a resilient structure for diverse environments. The project by Tarantik & Egger represents an innovative approach to repurposing existing materials and combining functionality with aesthetic appeal, delivering a unique and adaptable product for relaxation and well-being. This product demonstrates how creative design and engineering can transform existing infrastructure into new, sustainable uses, contributing to both environmental preservation and consumer leisure. #Saunagondel #SkiGondolaRepurposing #SustainableDesign #GreenDesign #SilverFirWood #ExtremeWeather #PanoramicViews #MobileSauna #TarantikAndEgger

This article details the multi-year project undertaken by Venetian Backyards, a Phoenix-based company, in collaboration with DRRL Construction, a custom home builder in Scottsdale, Arizona. The project focused on creating a modern oasis in the hills of northern Phoenix, designed to seamlessly integrate with a contemporary home featuring 20-foot-high sliding glass doors. The primary challenge involved designing a waterscape that not only highlighted the surrounding mountain views but also blended indoor and outdoor living spaces. The design, planning, and construction phase spanned over two years, resulting in a backyard recognized as one of Pebble Technology’s 2021 World’s Greatest Pools. A key design element involved an unconventional placement of the spa and pool. Instead of situating the spa near the home and directing the pool's vanishing edge towards the yard’s perimeter, the team reversed this layout. The spa was placed at the far end of the waterscape, and the pool's vanishing edge was oriented towards the house. This decision aimed to create a distinct aesthetic and capitalize on the prime view of Camelback Mountain. The spa's elevated position offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the mountains, which can be enjoyed both from within the spa and from a surrounding fire pit. The fire pit, encircling the back half of the spa, creates visual illusions where the water appears to spill into the fire and the flames seem to float on the water when viewed from different angles. This effect is achieved by an approximately 6-inch-wide custom-fabricated metal channel with a slot and grating system beneath the fire glass, allowing water to spill near the flames. The fire pit itself is constructed from masonry, with the grating system integrated into it to support the fire bar and gas line. Material selection played a crucial role in achieving the desired aesthetic. Pebblesheen in Blue Surf was chosen for the pool’s water color, decided after consulting with the clients on their preferred natural water hues. A blend of glass mosaic tiles in tans, golds, and black was used to complement the modern desert architecture and overall yard design. The deck and masonry incorporated the same cream-colored stone used for the home, cut to size for the decking and floating pavers set within artificial turf. Venetian Outdoors also oversaw the softscape design, planting large ficus trees and hedges early in the construction timeline to ensure they would mature alongside the project. Pygmy date palms were strategically placed throughout the yard to add visual and architectural depth. The outdoor space was further enhanced with four televisions for entertainment and a putting green, designed for use from both the upper and lower levels, catering to the homeowners' interest in golf. The final design effectively tiered to the hillside view, maintaining a modern aesthetic and providing a stunning vista from the residence, successfully integrating the entire yard with the home's contemporary design. #SwimmingPoolDesign #GlassTile #ArizonaLandscape #OutdoorLiving #ModernDesign #Waterscape #CustomHome #VanishingEdge #FireFeature